Community

CHUM Christmas Eve Vigil Recognizes Increasing Lives Lost to Homelessness

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM held their annual Christmas Eve vigil Friday on the steps of Duluth City Hall… marking a grim milestone in the city’s ongoing battle against homelessness. This vigil remembers persons who have experienced homelessness and have died this year. Homelessness and drug overdose are growing issues in Duluth, and organizers say the housing crisis has not helped. Over…

VFW Gives Away Free Meals for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn.- The VFW in Lincoln Park gave away free meals today in spirit of Christmas. Anybody in, or outside the community was welcome to enjoy a hot meal of all the fix-ins: mashed potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce and more. All of the food was donated from the community and from businesses like Kwik Trip, Perkins, and Super One. Because…

Duluth Fire Crews Respond to Flames at Historic Vacant Seaway Hotel Building Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth fire crews responded to a structure fire Thursday night in the vacant historic Esmond Building formerly known as the Seaway Hotel. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department around 11 p.m. Thursday night firefighters responded to a report of flames and found a small fire in a vacant space on the second floor. The spokesperson…

Active Adventures: New Programs at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s Ken Slama tours the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown and learns about the programs they offer in the upcoming year. Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Duluth Area Family YMCA, YMCA

‘Miracle 11’ Makes New Donations To 6 Local Organizations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been eight years since 11 skydivers with Skydive Superior played with death after a mid-air collision of two planes over Superior. And once again, those skydivers continue to put that highly publicized moment to good use in the community. Miracle 11is a non-profit that donates money every year to local organizations. This year included $2,500 to…

Bridgeman’s Making Holiday Meals

DULUTH, Minn. — Meanwhile, Bridgeman’s is also providing meals for people this holiday season. They are offering a feast complete with roast beef, green beans, cheesy hash browns along with ice cream. They also have a roast turkey dinner planner. People who ordered them can pick them up on Thursday or Friday. After making meals for Thanksgiving, staff say they…

VFW Post 137 Preparing Holiday Feast

DULUTH, Minn. — The VFW post 137 in Lincoln Park is prepping for a big free holiday feast Friday. The supplies for the meals are all donated by community members. The VFW will be serving the holiday traditions from mashed potatoes to veggies and turkey with gravy. With the tradition going strong even after 30 years, organizers say this is…

Santa Visits Mesabi Preschool Academy

DULUTH, Minn. — Santa made a pit stop in Duluth on Thursday to visit children at the Mesabi Preschool Academy. Chris Kringle greeted the children at the Duluth Candy Company. He says his elves are going over the naughty and nice list and they have already started loading the sleigh. Even though this year, like the last is different than…

Chester Bowl Opens For Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has officially opened for the season on Wednesday. The popular ski hill opened this morning with the first people getting on the chair lift at 11 a.m. Members of Essentia Health were also there and awarded a $25,000  grant to Chester Bowl. This will allow them to plan for future infrastructure developments. “So to be…

NAPA Auto Parts Gives Away $1,000 Certificates

DULUTH, Minn. -Nine lucky winners were awarded $1,000 gift certificates to be used at auto care centers around the Twin Ports. NAPA Auto Parts in west Duluth hosted the certificate giveaway today in light of the holiday season. Recipients were nominated by their loved ones, and were selected by shop owners after being determined to be the most deserving of…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of the best Christmas light displays in the Twin Ports region earned special recognition Wednesday. Over 2,700 voters helped to determine the winners of the 7th annual Christmas Lighting Display, covering homes and businesses in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Cloquet and other nearby regions. For some, the event is a chance to continue a holiday tradition.  Bill and…

Midday Update 12-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Blood Donors Needed to Avoid Delays in Patient Care

The American Red Cross Blood Supply at Historically Low Levels, Continuing to Decline

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross blood supply is at historically low levels and it continues to decline. Officials with the American Red Cross say if more donors don’t come out to give, hospitals may be forced to delay care to patients relying on blood transfusion. The Red Cross is announcing all who come to give through Jan. 2…

Morning Update 12-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Winter Solstice Luminary Hike

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the Winter Solstice Tuesday with Hartley Nature Center. A half-mile loop was lit up for a luminary hike, along with hot chocolate, a photo booth and a fire pit – all to celebrate winter’s the shortest day of the year. “Especially at night when we’re in the darkest days is…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Holiday Gatherings

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Interest in new COVID-19 vaccinations is slowing in Itasca County. Leaders with Itasca County Public Health say roughly 60 percent of eligible residents in the county are vaccinated, a number that hasn’t grown as of late. Four percent of vaccinated residents in the county have still tested positive for COVID-19. The Public Health Dept. is reporting…

New Snowfall Brightens Landscape, Doesn’t Stop Dog Owners

DULUTH, Minn. – Several inches of snow Tuesday morning helped to make the Northland look more appropriate for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Most who were clearing it away from sidewalks and driveways had their usual complaints, but one person prefers the light and fluffy flakes. “I’d rather have snow than cold,” says Curt Timmerman of Duluth, “I mean it stays…

DECC Covid Site Ready for Increased Testing Ahead of Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Christmas weekend approaches,  health experts are encouraging everybody to get tested beforehand at places like the DECC. More people have been testing at that site this week. The even bigger push from local health officials is to get vaccinated, especially for vulnerable adults because they say the omicron variant is a growing problem. With hospital…

Duluth Fire Department Ringing Bells for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army has enlisted the help of the Duluth Fire Department to make a final push for donations this holiday season. Current and former members of the department were at several locations in the Miller Hill Mall on Tuesday ringing bells for a good cause. With the department assisting the non-profit for over 30 years, they…

Duluth City Councilors Prioritize Public Safety, Affordable Housing in 2022 Budget

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday night, Duluth city councilors made significant investments in their budget for public safety and housing. After hearing a need to recruit and retain police officers, councilors will increase their wages by 10 percent for all DPD staff in the 2022 budget. They have also increased the training budget of the DPD and the fire department to…

Lakeside Elementary Students Provide Holiday Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. –Lester Park Elementary students provided some holiday cheer for residents at Ecumen Lakeshore Senior Living on Tuesday. K through 5th graders raised nearly $3,000 to buy several trees, decorate them and then pass them out to residents. In its 19th year, now more than ever these residents need some Christmas cheer after isolation caused by the pandemic. “We…

Fairlawn Mansion Hosts Twinkling Evenings

DULUTH, Minn. –Fairlawn Mansion in Superior hosts Twinkling Evenings. Each room in the mansion is decorated with trees and other Christmas décor. Guests are welcome to treats and are challenged to find all the hidden snow globes throughout the mansion. Though the tour is self-guided, hosts are there to share the history and customs once held at Fairlawn. “Christmas was…

Midday Update 12-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 12-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021.   Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Superior Meats Staying Busy This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Meats has been busy with people looking for last-minute meals for the holidays. With a variety of items including summer sausage, logs, beef sticks, and gift boxes the shop is trying to keep up with demand even with a short staff. The staff advises people to get your prime rib early because they ran out a…

Former Duluth Police Chief Is Back, Might Run For St. Louis County Sheriff

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his family have moved back to Duluth, and Ramsay, 49, is eyeing what’s next locally for his career, which could include a run for St. Louis County sheriff. For the last six years, Ramsay has been the top cop for Kansas’ largest police department in Wichita where he has managed…

Plans Unveiled to Give Duluth Armory New Life as Multi-Use Community Building

The multi-use building will include a public marketplace in the street-level drill hall and the lower level -- a community kitchen for nonprofits and small businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stars of a vision, plan, and developers have aligned to bring new life to the Duluth Armory, as its redevelopment was announced via press conference Monday, inside the building which has sat largely unused on London Road for decades. “They say good things come to those that wait, and if that’s true the Armory project is going…

Whole Foods Co-Op Keeping Up With Holiday Demand

DULUTH, Minn. — Whole Foods Co-Op is doing its best to keep up with customer demand this holiday season. With popular items including holiday floral, gift ideas, and more holiday staples. Store managers stress the importance of shopping local, not just during the holidays but for every season. The atmosphere is a little more special during the holidays. “It’s so…

Caution Recommended This Holiday Season As Hospital ICU Beds in Limited Supply

DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare workers continue to fight the deadly Covid-19 virus. This as hospital beds are at an all-time short supply with flu season on the horizon. Currently in St. Luke’s, over the last month, they have cared for a little over one-hundred patients who were hospitalized due to Covid-19. 85% of those patients were not vaccinated. Additionally, Minnesota…

Midday Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Midwestern Journalist, Comedian, Actor, Charlie Berens Coming to Duluth

Berens will be Performing at the DECC March 24 & 25

DULUTH, Minn. –  Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens, is making a stop in Duluth. Berens will be performing at the DECC Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to showtime. The Wisconsin native has been featured on FOX, CBS, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV…

Morning Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

Live Outdoor Nativity Returns to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts available inside

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday’s cold weather didn’t stop one Duluth church from bringing their live nativity scene back outside. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Superior Street held their live nativity scene outside for the second year in a row to keep things COVID-safe. People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

First Great Hall Marketplace Held at The Depot

Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first-ever Great Hall Marketplace was held Saturday at the Depot, covering three different floors, and welcoming hundreds of people through its halls. Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas. Since starting at 10 AM Saturday morning, hundreds went through doing some last-minute holiday shopping,…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re still looking for a fresh Christmas tree this holiday season you may be out of luck. That’s because after starting to sell them in mid-November, Hoffbauer Tree Farm saw a large rush during the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though they sold the same amount of trees as last year, they sold out by December 11th which…

Depot Hosting ‘Great Hall’ Marketplace

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot is preparing to host their first-ever Depot Great Hall Marketplace on Saturday. There are over 60 artists and vendors spanning three floors of the depot. Organizers hope to create a lively and festive atmosphere, all to help the local craft community who will be offering attendees a little bit of everything. “From…

Businesses Brace For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and businesses in Canal Park are bracing for holiday shoppers to come in for their last-minute gifts. Over at Lake Superior Art Glass, they are continuing to host their design your own snowmen and design your own ornaments sessions until the end of the month. The popular events have been bringing…

Midday Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

74-Year-Old Babbitt Man Dies in Morse Township Accident

74-Year-Old George Amitrano Was Pronounced Dead on the Scene

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports 74-year-old George J. Amitrano of Babbitt died Thursday, Dec. 16 shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle accident. First responders and law enforcement responded to reports of the crash in the 1900 block of Highway 21 North in Morse Township. When crews arrived, they determined the vehicle contained only…